The former Blaugrana boss led his side to 12 trophies, two of which were Champions League titles, during a four-year tenure. However, since leaving the club last summer, rumours have surfaced that Guardiola hired a surveillance team to keep tabs on Ronaldinho, Deco, Samuel Eto'o and Pique.

The Spain international has now revealed that he already had his suspicions something was going on.

"The truth is that I sensed that something was going on back in 2010, so it's not come as a complete shock now that this has come to light. I knew something was up," Pique told Terra.

"It's not nice, but it's water under the bridge: different people run the club now. I'm too excited by what's in store over the next two months to dwell on that stuff."

Guardiola embarked on a 12-month sabbatical from football last summer but will resume his coaching career with Bayern Munich next season.